Crete hit by severe weather
Crete remained under severe weather conditions Saturday as heavy rain and thunderstorms caused flooding, road closures and disruptions, particularly in the east.
Firefighters carried out around 20 rescue operations overnight, assisting people trapped in vehicles, homes and rented accommodation.
Ierapetra among hardest hit
In Ferma, five firefighters rescued four German nationals trapped in their car by rising floodwaters after a 112 call.
An elderly woman was also rescued and taken to hospital as a precaution.
Ierapetra Deputy Mayor for Civil Protection Giorgos Kougioumountzakis said the area had experienced exceptionally high volumes of rain. Roads between Ierapetra and Sitia were closed at several points, while damage was reported near Agia Fotia.
Authorities urged residents and visitors to avoid unnecessary travel.
Roads closed across Crete
Flooding and debris have disrupted roads in Chania, Rethymno, Lasithi and Heraklion.
Several roads remain closed, while others have reopened or are operating with restricted traffic. Municipalities have deployed heavy machinery to assist emergency crews.
More severe weather ahead
The Hellenic National Meteorological Service forecasts further heavy rain and thunderstorms in Crete on Saturday, with gradual weakening expected late at night.
Very strong northeasterly winds of 8 to 9 Beaufort are also expected across the Aegean.
Authorities remain on high alert as saturated ground and swollen waterways increase the risk of further flooding.
Source: AMNA
